Alice is a beautiful young Shiba Inu/Husky mix. Aside from being a normal vibrant teen, Alice also lives with two ailments. Alice is deaf and has a neurological disorder.
Alice is seeking a patient owner who understands the importance of structure and clear leadership. Alice is eager to please and has learned to bond to her handler. She knows basic commands and is highly motivated. She is a playful and affectionate girl with lots to offer the right person. She requires a fenced yard and a structured living environment with limited changes or surprises.
Alice is deaf which she mitigates well by using her other senses. Her deafness has only caused few limitations for Alice. For one, she is not a good ‘dog park’ candidate as she is not able to hear the warnings from the other dogs who may take her playfulness the wrong way. She does love to play with other dogs but requires one-on-one interactions and supervision until the relationship is well established between her and another dog.
Alice also has a neurological disorder. We suspect Alice may have suffered from peripheral Vestibular Disease as a puppy. The result is a loss of balance and other symptoms deriving from vertigo and dizziness. Alice is often seen titling her head, a result of the dizziness feeling. Alice also engages in a circling (spinning) behaviour when confined or stressed. This can be calmed and redirected. Familiarity and routine may help to reduce this spinning behaviour. Alice is already showing vast improvement since her arrival! This is something worth celebrating and if anyone knows how to celebrate, it’s Alice!
About Peripheral Vestibular Disease
While more common in older dogs, can affect youngsters on occasion given the disease can be present from birth as a congenital defect. The disorder occurs when there’s irritation to the nerves connecting the inner ear with the brain. An infection in the middle ear is the most common reason for the disease to develop in pups like Alice.
For more information on adopting Alice please PM me or e-mail me at shebashaven@kingston.net
